The new barn

Charlie has been in 7 different barns since I've known him. In three years. Three in PA, one in MA, one in RI, and now two in NJ. That's not to mention the barn he was at when I bought him, the one he moved to with his first owner in TX, and the one where he was born in KY. This horse is a traveler! Hopefully one day soon he will not have to move any more....

This new barn is nothing like the one he was at before, which (in my eyes) was the perfect situation. That said, I think it will work well. Though kind of a more rustic approach, the stalls are big. The grass may not be as manicured, but the turnouts are large and the girl who manages things seems like she is right up my alley in terms of horsemanship.

The new stall

Charlie's new barn is one of three on a very large post-TB-breeding facility. He has a nice big box stall that is very airy and open, which he shares with several resident chickens (he doesn't mind them one bit).

Chickens as roommates

The woman who owns it is married to a dairy farmer, and so there are cows on the property. Charlie isn't so sure what to think about them yet.

Is that a COW?!

Charlie stays in during the day and is turned out by night, which isn't the ideal come-and-go-as-you-please scenario that I would prefer, but he's done this before and has done well. Although there are no trails nearby, there is a ring (with jumps this time) and an opportunity to go to paces and clinics with the property owner. Plus, there is a trainer on the premises if I want to lesson here or there. I think it was the best decision for us right now, and I'm looking forward to the next few months!